The War of 1812

You will pick ONE of these questions to answer. Responses should be a minimum of 1 page, typed and single-spaced.

1. What were the causes of the War of 1812? What were some of the main advantages for the U.S. at the start of the war? What about disadvantages? Describe how successful was the U.S. on the battlefield, and provide evidence to support this. How did the war end? Did anybody “win?” What was the significance of the war?

2. The issue of the strength of the central government is key to understanding early America. Explain how the new nation initially felt about a strong central government, using examples and evidence to support your essay. Focus on the Articles of Confederation, the first government established in the U.S. How did the Articles reflect the American position on government strength? Describe the many problems with the Articles and why it was eventually abandoned in favor of the Constitution.

3. Analyze why and how slavery became the centerpiece of Southern society and the “Cotton Kingdom.” How was slavery codified by white southerners in the decades after Bacon’s Rebellion? Most importantly, explain how slavery evolved from a “necessary evil” to a “positive good.” What economic changes ultimately entrenched slavery as the cornerstone of Southern society? Why did the vast majority of Southerners support slavery, even if they didn’t own slaves? Was slavery actually profitable for the South?